Understanding Scrupulosity
You’re Not Alone: Understanding Scrupulosity OCD
Have you ever found yourself in a mental loop wondering things like, “What if I’m not a good person?” “Was I completely honest today?” “What if I didn’t confess everything I needed to?” When these feelings stick around and cause distress and anxiety, they may be caused by a form of OCD called scrupulosity.
What Is Scrupulosity?
Scrupulosity is a subtype of OCD that involves intrusive thoughts related to morality, religion, or being a good person. You might feel overwhelmed by fears of offending God, being dishonest, making immoral choices, or harming others, even if there is no evidence to support those fears. These thoughts are often paired with mental or behavioral compulsions like repeated confessing, excessive praying, reviewing past actions, or avoiding situations that trigger guilt.
This pattern can become exhausting and isolating, especially when it interferes with your relationships, faith, or daily functioning.
How Scrupulosity can affect people
Scrupulosity can deeply affect a person’s life by turning everyday decisions and interactions into overwhelming sources of anxiety. People may spend hours mentally reviewing conversations, seeking reassurance, or avoiding situations that could trigger guilt or uncertainty. This constant self-monitoring can interfere with relationships, work, and faith practices, leaving individuals feeling isolated, exhausted, or ashamed. What often begins as a desire to be good or morally responsible becomes a cycle of doubt and compulsions that is difficult to break. Over time, scrupulosity can erode a person's sense of self-trust and joy, making even small moments feel heavy with fear or pressure.
Why Therapy Helps
As a therapist who specializes in OCD and anxiety treatment in Mint Hill, North Carolina, I work with clients experiencing scrupulosity using evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.
Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradually facing situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety while resisting the urge to engage in compulsions. Over time, this helps the brain learn that the anxiety will pass on its own. I also incorporate ACT and EMDR to help clients relate to their thoughts in more flexible and compassionate ways, while staying connected to what truly matters.
Finding Support in Mint Hill, NC
If you are looking for an OCD therapist in Mint Hill NC, or scrupulosity therapy near Charlotte, or anxiety treatment in Mint Hill North Carolina, you are in the right place. I offer individual therapy to adults navigating OCD and anxiety, with a focus on compassion, values, and sustainable change.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Scrupulosity can be deeply confusing and painful, but recovery is possible. With the right tools and support, you can learn to quiet the constant doubt and live in a way that feels more peaceful and free. If you are struggling with OCD or anxiety and looking for support in the Mint Hill area, I would love to connect.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about therapy for OCD and anxiety in Mint Hill, NC.